"Those lunatics actually want to make Homelander the Secretary of Defense?"
In a spacious room, former Secretary of Defense Wilson held a glass of whiskey as he watched the news on TV and shook his head.
A Defense Department official beside him said, "Sir, you've had it rough these past few days."
At the previous hearing, Homelander had played a video that dealt an unprecedented blow to Wilson's political career.
To give the public an explanation, the federal government had no choice but to remove Wilson from his position as Secretary of Defense. To let the controversy die down as quickly as possible, they also gave him a long leave so he could stay out of the public eye for a while.
Wilson had no objections to that.
Besides, although he was no longer the Secretary of Defense, he had held the position for many years and knew the department better than anyone.
So the federal government gave him the title of adviser instead.
Every major decision involving the Defense Department would still be sent to him for review. Only after he approved it would the new Secretary of Defense sign it.
So Wilson's authority hadn't been affected much. The only difference was the title.
"It doesn't matter what happens to me."
Wilson set down his glass, "It's a pity. I originally planned to use that hearing to kick Homelander out of the Defense Department. I didn't expect him to have another trick up his sleeve."
"Not only has his reputation not declined, it's actually improved. He even openly announced that he would no longer provide free hero services, yet instead of hurting him, people think he had no choice but to do it."
"I have to say, our citizens really are a bunch of pigs!"
The Defense Department official smiled, checked his watch, and stood up, "It's getting late, sir. You should get some rest."
Wilson nodded.
After having a servant see the man out, Wilson chuckled, "As long as the 'Guardian' is still in my hands, I'll have a chance to get back to my old position."
"That night, plenty of people must have seen the Guardian's value. Otherwise, they'd have sent me off to Hawaii for a vacation by now."
Wilson knew very well that the reason he still retained his authority wasn't just because he was familiar with the job.
The other important reason was Homelander's son.
Ryan only trusted him now.
That trust was his greatest bargaining chip.
Wilson put down his glass and was about to return to his room when he suddenly noticed it trembling slightly. At the same time, flashes of electricity flickered in the backyard outside the floor-to-ceiling window, and a figure landed on the lawn.
Wilson's expression changed. He reached under the table, found a button, and pressed it.
The figure in the garden walked over and stepped into the light outside the window.
It was a woman.
She looked young, with a petite build, wearing a black-and-green combat suit.
Stormfront!
She knocked on the window and smiled into the room.
"Anybody home?"
Wilson's face darkened, "What are you here for?"
Stormfront had already slid open the glass door and walked inside, her hands behind her back as she looked around.
"Mr. Secretary, I don't mean any harm."
"You don't have to look at me like that."
"I didn't come today on behalf of the Seven, and that man didn't send me either."
"I just wanted to have a chat with you."
Just then, Ryan walked in. He glanced at Stormfront before walking over to Wilson's side.
Seeing Ryan arrive, Wilson felt reassured and said in a deep voice, "I don't think we have anything to talk about."
Stormfront's eyes lit up as she looked at Ryan, "So it's him, isn't it?"
"The little boy from the Boiling Midnight incident. He has the same abilities as Homelander."
Stormfront had also been involved that crazy night, so she naturally knew about Ryan.
Ryan's eyes glowed red as he watched Stormfront warily.
Stormfront quickly waved both hands, "No, no, child. I'm not your enemy."
"Homelander is."
Ryan froze for a moment. The red glow in his eyes gradually faded, "Homelander."
Wilson gave a dry cough, "This is the Guardian. He'll replace Homelander in protecting this country."
"That's wonderful," Stormfront looked delighted.
"I knew coming to see Secretary Wilson was the right choice."
"Now then, let's talk."
"Mr. Wilson, you want to get rid of Homelander too, don't you?"
———
[Morning]
[Inside the Apartment in Chinatown]
Alex woke up and glanced at Kimiko, who was wrapped around him like an octopus.
He smiled. Without caring that Kimiko was still asleep, he pulled her onto himself.
Before long, the temperature in the room quickly rose.
After working up a sweat, Alex went into the bathroom to take a shower.
Kimiko came in as well and signed, "Kenji's back."
Alex nodded, "He disappeared for a few days. He was probably in contact with the Shining Light Liberation Army."
Kimiko pressed a hand against Alex's chest before signing again, "Help him. Get him to leave the Shining Light Liberation Army."
"I will," Alex lifted her chin, "But that depends on what you do."
Kimiko nodded, then turned around.
———
After his shower, Alex called Levin, "Kenji's back?"
"Yes, sir. He came back last night."
"Good. Call him out. I'm treating him to breakfast."
———
At a oriental restaurant in Chinatown, Alex had ordered a table full of breakfast dishes. As he was eating a steamed bun, the former soldier Levin arrived with Kimiko's younger brother.
"Good morning, Mr. John."
Kenji said quietly, "Is my sister doing well?"
Remembering Kimiko's performance that morning, Alex said with satisfaction, "She's doing well. Very well."
"What about you? Where have you been these past few days? I thought you'd left."
Alex gestured for them to sit down.
"I ordered food for you too. Let's eat together."
Kenji nodded and, without being polite, picked up a bowl of millet porridge and started drinking.
He took another bite of a steamed bun before saying, "I had an operation a few days ago, so I left."
"The Shining Light Liberation Army?", Alex asked.
"Yes."
"Oh, right, Mr. John. I told Mr. Corwin about you, and he'd like to meet you."
"He's our operations chief in New York."
"He really hopes you'll join us," Kenji looked up as he spoke.
Alex nodded, "After breakfast, let's go meet Mr. Corwin."
———
[Eleven O'clock]
[In the Franklin District, Inside the Basement of a House]
After two men searched Alex and Levin, they were finally allowed into the basement.
Walking inside, Alex looked around.
Several weapon racks were set up there, holding all kinds of weapons.
There were melee weapons, but even more pistols and rifles.
There was even a Barrett rifle.
"Good morning, Mr. John," A voice called out.
Alex turned around and saw Kenji walking over with a white man in his early thirties.
Kenji introduced him, "Mr. John, this is Chief Corwin."
Alex smiled, "Good morning, Mr. Corwin."
"I believe Kenji has already told you about me."
"Yes. I'd like to join the Shining Light Liberation Army."
"I'm confident that under my leadership, the Shining Light Liberation Army will do even better than it does now."